Counselors

Help your students maximize their financial aid - and achieve their goals.

Many families believe that college is unaffordable for their student. That doesn't have to be the case. While it's true that the costs of obtaining a postsecondary education have risen, there's also more financial aid available now than ever. The U.S. Department of Education administers more than $80 BILLION a year in grants, loans and work-study programs. State, institutional, and private funding is also available. No matter what the goal - a vocational certificate or associate degree, a bachelor's degree, or even graduate school - money should not be a barrier for any student going on to postsecondary education.

Every student should apply for financial aid.

It's simpler and faster than ever before. There is more aid available than ever before.

No matter what their family's income, every student should submit a FAFSA.

spacer

Students should never assume that they won't qualify for financial aid. There is no income limit to qualify for the unsubsidized Stafford loan so everyone can qualify for that low-interest loan. The student's Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) - the government's estimate of what the family can pay toward college costs - is dependent on many factors, such as income, number of persons in the household, number of students in college, and more. Filing a FAFSA should be an automatic part of the college application process for all students. The only way they are sure to not get any aid is to not apply!

Timing is important.

This time of year, many seniors are filling out applications for admission and ordering copies of their transcripts. Oftentimes they don't apply for financial aid until later in the spring or summer. Filing early increases the chances of receiving a larger financial aid award.

spacer

Most colleges begin their financial aid packaging in February, and some funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Many colleges have deadlines for scholarship applications. The University of Alaska's scholarship application deadline is February 15.

Your students can have the results of their FAFSA sent to multiple institutions. They can then compare the financial aid packages they are offered at all the schools they apply to. The earlier they get this information, the better decision they can make about where to enroll.

Highlighted Financial Aid Programs

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
This program, started in 2006, awards $750 for the first year of study, and $1,300 for the second year of study. Your students who complete a rigorous (college-prep) high school curriculum may qualify!

TEACH Grant
This new program provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in high-need fields.AlaskAdvantage Education Grant
This state program provides grants from $500 to $2000 to qualified students.University of Alaska Foundation Scholarships
UA Foundation scholarships are available to students attending any campus of the University of Alaska (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Southeast and all community campuses.)

Use all the resources available to you.

Navigating the world of financial aid can be daunting, but there's plenty of help available. Browse this website: check out the events page to see what's happening in your area. February is Financial Aid Awareness Month, and the University is hosting a variety of financial aid workshops at locations around the state.